Case Result: Travel Nurse's License Safe After Positive Drug Screen

Professional:
Nurse

Primary issue:
Prior to extending his travel nurse contract, our client’s employer requested a drug screen. The screen came back positive for marijuana and, as a result, he received a Letter of Investigation from the Florida Department of Health (“FL DOH”) along with a referral to IPN.

Argument:
Regulatory attorney Sara Bazzigaluppi immediately went to work by sending our client to have his hair follicles obtained and tested. She also began our client with weekly drug urine screenings to establish that this single positive test was not a regular pattern of behavior. Sara Bazzigaluppi also argued that, because our client was not actively working when the drug screen took place, he was not endangering any of his patients.

Result:
Based on both our arguments and our client’s consistently negative urine screens, the FL DOH dismissed the case against him. FL DOH sent our client a Letter of Guidance, which serves as a warning, and his case will remain confidential.

Areas of Law:
Florida Department of Health Investigations & Complaints

Disclaimer:
This information is a sample of our past results. Prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results. Every case is different and each case must be evaluated and handled on its own merits. The circumstances of your case may differ from the results provided. The information provided has not been reviewed or approved by the State Bar.